CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Virginia Democrats are responding to former President Donald Trump’s visit to Chesapeake.
They say after alleged comments calling veterans “suckers” and “losers,” they don’t welcome him to one of the largest military areas in the country.
Before Trump’s arrival on Friday, Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Susan Swecker vocalized her displeasure with the Republican candidate.
"You should apologize for your words and your actions," she said.
Swecker and the two veterans standing with her said they want someone in the White House who respects veterans. The call comes after Trump allegedly called military members “suckers” and “losers” in 2018.
"It’s offensive that he thinks he can show up here in Chesapeake a community filled with service members and their families," Swecker said.
Virginia Beach veteran Sean Montiero called Trump dangerous.
"He is an existential threat to the foundation of our country, our democracy," he said.
Army veteran Terron Sims called President Joe Biden the only military supporter on the ballot.
"As President, Joe Biden has delivered on his commitment on military families,"
According to the Associated Press, after Biden’s poor performance during Thursday’s debate, some in his own party began questioning whether he should be replaced on the ballot before November. When asked what Swecker thought of Biden’s performance and those rumors, she said this:
"Everybody has a rough night now and then and it wasn’t his best, but I’ll tell you what also I saw, Donald Trump is the same liar that he was in 2020."
Swecker also called out Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin for standing by former President Trump after some of his comments about the military.
Democratic candidate for Virginia’s Second Congressional District and Navy veteran Missy Cotter-Smasal was slated to attend Friday's press conference but was not there. We’ve reached out to her team to find out why, but have yet to hear back.